Kellogg teen killed after lying on railroad tracks

Jasper County officials are trying to find out why an 18-year-old from Kellogg went onto railroad tracks and died after being hit by a train. Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty says Kyle Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the sheriff, the train’s conductor claims Smith was lying across the tracks near the Heartland Coop building.

The train’s brakes and horn were activated, but Smith did not move. The eastbound train was unable to stop before hitting Smith.

Iowa Interstate Railroad reported the accident at 1:22 this morning and emergency personnel found Smith’s body 12 minutes later. The sheriff’s department closed Highway 22 for around four hours during the investigation.